Neil Morrice provides us with his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing at Ludlow, Wolverhampton and Southwell.
LUDLOW – 22/12/2021
Race 1 No1 GREEN BOOK (Nap)
Trainer: Venetia Williams – Jockey: Lucy Turner
GREEN BOOK bolted up at Haydock and will be very hard to beat of allowed to make a quick reappearance in this hurdle restricted to female amateur jockeys. The gelding has transferred his good Flat form to the winter game, and should have more to offer.
Race 3 No12 MISS FAIRFAX
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Tom O’Brien
MISS FAIRFAX only got going when the bird had flown when second to Love Envoi at Leicester, and will be more streetwise after that first run over jumps. She faces a couple of in form rivals in Lady Of The Night and Nextdoortoalice, but that pair might find themselves anchored by penalties, while my selection will now be razor sharp.
Race 5 No4 DUBLIN FOUR
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Kielan Woods
DUBLIN FOUR landed some good bets on his first outing for O’Brien at Newbury, getting on top on the run in to score going away. The seven-year-old was good value for that length and a half triumph over Buster Thomas, and can show he has a lot more to offer.
WOLVERHAMPTON – 22/12/2021
Race 6 No6 BALLYARE (Each Way)
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Oisin Orr
Scottish raider BALLYARE needs respecting in this sprint handicap following a success at Newcastle in the autumn and an earning run in defeat over course and distance last week. He has a top Irish pilot doing the steering, and the combination should get into the shake-up.
Race 7 No6 KNOCKABOUT QUEEN (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: David Probert
There’s a lot to like about KNOCKABOUT QUEEN in this first division of the sprint handicap. The Sixties Icon mare took home a cheque for the first time in four outings for her trainer to indicate she’s settled into her new surroundings. She’s slipped to a workable mark, but just needs to break smartly from her draw on the outer.
SOUTHWELL – 22/12/2021
Race 3 No8 CHEROKEE DANCE
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Ben Sanderson
CHEROKEE DANCE goes to the well for the third time in less than a week but has strong claims to defy a penalty for her Wolverhampton triumph. She still receives weight from the majority of the field, with her trainer retaining the cheek pieces worn for her second at Kempton on Sunday.
Race 6 No2 ROGUE STORM
Trainer: Tom Clover – Jockey: Jack Mitchell
If there’s one that has gone under the radar it could be Decorated Knight filly ROGUE STORM, who showed slight improvement when earning a mark equipped with a first time hood at Chelmsford. She appeals as the type that can do better now handicapping.
Race 8 No1 LOST MY SOCK (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Ben Robinson
LOST MY SOCK has a nasty draw to overcome, but should the top weight enjoy a clear break he can still be competitive. His form has taken a noticeable lift since he switched to Tapeta with a couple of earning efforts at Newcastle. If running up to that level he should get into the shake-up.
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